Uepohatu concert: Song 'Koru koru'

Song 'Koru koru' performed by an unidentified group at Uepohatu marae in 1947.

The marae hosted events held on the 12th and 13th of September that included cultural competitions with local school children, the opening of the Uepohatu War Memorial Hall, a reunion of ex-service people (including members of the Maori Battalion), a concert and the opening of the Uepohatu War Memorial Hall.  The hall was built to commemorate East Coast soldiers who died during the two World Wars. 

At an investiture ceremony held on the second day, seventeen decorations were presented to servicemen and women who had served abroad and on the home front.

The gathering was an important one, attended by thousands including the Prime Minister Peter Fraser, the Leader of the Opposition Sidney Holland and other members of Parliament.  Sir Bernard Freyberg, the Governor General opened the hall and unveiled two memorial tablets inside.

Transcription

Kaea: A korukoru

Katoa: Ko ana rari, e kori rari

Kaea: Tahi, rua toru wha! Ana korukoru!

Katoa: Ko ana rari, e kori rari

Kaea: Ana korukoru

Katoa: Ko ana rari e kori rari

Kaea: Haka torirua

Katoa: E kori rari

Kaea: Haka torirua

Katoa: E kori rari

A i whakatakoto ki tei wao, ki te wao tu ki te tauri taenoa tange noa tae o tu

(Repeat)

Kaea: Manga Hauwiki

Katoa: Te aweawe, i te aweawe

Kaea: Manga Hauwiki

Katoa: Te aweawe, i te aweawe

Kaea: Raro tupara

Katoa: Wio wio wa, a wio wio wa

Kaea: Raro tupara

Katoa: Wio wio wa, a wio wio wa

Kaea: Toru, wha!

Katoa: Hi! 

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